Michigan State survives hard fought battle from New Mexico in round of 32 matchup
The Michigan State Spartans are heading back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2023 and for the 16th time in Tom Izzo's career in East Lansing. MSU defeated the 10-seeded New Mexico Lobos, 71-63, in a hard fought, gritty battle.
It was a brutal game for Michigan State, who had all that they could handle from the Lobos, who led by as much as 10 in the first half of the game. At one point, late in the first half, New Mexico led 29-20 and had firm control of the game. From this point on, Michigan State turned it on.
The Spartans would outscore the Lobos 51-34 the rest of the way, going on several runs and making sure they were on top of their game defensively.
Jaden Akins had his coming out party, and potentially his career defining moment in this game, willing his Spartans offensively. Akins led all scorers with 16 points, shooting the ball 7-for-11 and coming up with clutch bucket after clutch bucket. Tre Holloman was right behind him with 14 points, while Frankie Fidler had his Spartan moment with 10 points.
The most impressive part of this game for Michigan State, was getting the job done with Jase Richardson being off all night. Although off, and not scoring a single point until the final 90 seconds of the game, Richardson showed up when it mattered most. Richardson drew a clutch foul, and drained all three free throws, before an and-one on an offensive rebound helped secure an MSU win.
Survive and advance is the name of the game, and the Spartans did just that. They will move on to Atlanta for a Sweet 16 matchup with Ole Miss on Friday.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State basketball defeats New Mexico in round of 32
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